Abstract: A dry condiment dispensing system is provided, in which the contents of the dispenser are dispensed through one or more dispensing holes at the bottom of a storage container. A stationary shutter is placed over the dispensing holes to prevent undesired dispensing of the contents of the dispenser. When the storage container is moved in relation to the stationary shutter, the dispensing holes are aligned over a spout in the shutter, such that the stored contents may be dispensed through the dispensing holes and the spout. In a preferred embodiment, the storage container is moved along an axis between a closed position and a dispensing position by a cam. In another preferred embodiment, the storage container is spring loaded, such that the storage container returns to a normally closed position. One or more condiment dispensers can be used to organize such condiments as nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, and cocoa powder at a coffee station, such as at a gourmet coffee shop.

Abstract: A technique is described for adding variable data to a print job, while requiring a minimum amount of storage. Key to the invention is the use of a data compression algorithm during RIPing. During a first stage of operation, a master document is RIPed into a compressed format and saved in a cache, such as RAM or disk storage. It is important to note that RIPing and data compression are performed simultaneously. This minimizes the amount of processing power necessary to RIP and compress a large document, while significantly reducing the amount of storage space required to save the RIPed master document. The variable data document is RIPed and compressed during a second stage of operation using the same algorithm as applied to the master document. Uniquely, the variable data document is RIPed directly onto the master document in compressed format. During the second phase of operation, the master document to be personalized is retrieved from memory and stored in a frame buffer.

Abstract: A transducer signal waveshaping system is provided, in which a signal excitation circuit includes a non-linear device. The resulting circuit produces a short input pulse, which allows a piezoelectric transducer to transmit a shortened output signal having distinct waveshape characteristics. The resulting waveshaped output signal, typically an ultrasonic signal, provides a measurable time-dependent signal that is particularly suited for data entry systems, such as for movable transmitter pens and white boards. The location of the transmitter pen in relation to the writing area of a white board can be determined, using the periodic transmission of the waveshaped output signals. Alternative embodiments include additional circuit elements, which allow the resulting waveshaped output signal to include even more distinctive waveform features.

Abstract: A robotic plotting system 10 is provided, in which a robotic plotter 18 having a printhead 18 is placed on a substantially flat horizontal surface 23, upon a recording medium 22, and is directed across the medium 22 by ranging signals 16 transmitted to the printhead 18 from the periphery of the recording medium 22. In one embodiment, the robotic printhead 18 includes a motorized drive mechanism 26, 28 that propels it across the surface of the recording medium 22 in a controlled manner, for example using microwave control signals 16. Thus, a user can place a piece of paper 22 of any size on a flat surface 23 such as a table or floor, and the printhead 18 is propelled across the surface 23 and is directed by signals 16 beamed between the printhead 18 and a control mechanism 14. In this manner, a large-surface-area plotting system 10 is provided in the form of a small hand-held device.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system provides improved thermal sensors, including thin film and wire wound RTD's having fast and accurate measurement response times. Thermal sensor housing materials are matched to those of the material being measured, thereby minimizing the use of interface potting materials that would otherwise impose a thermal gradient. A screw-in mounting stabilizes a connection between the housing and the material being measured. Double and triple shielded thermal devices are provided to filter RFI and EMI. Improved surface measurements of high temperatures are obtained by incorporating a thermal mass into thermocouple housing designs. Additionally, a unique stain relief is disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system provides improved thermal sensors, including thin film and wire wound RTD's having fast and accurate measurement response times. Thermal sensor housing materials are matched to those of the material being measured, thereby minimizing the use of interface potting materials that would otherwise impose a thermal gradient. A screw-in mounting stabilizes a connection between the housing and the material being measured. Double and triple shielded thermal devices are provided to filter RFI and EMI. Improved surface measurements of high temperatures are obtained by incorporating a thermal mass into thermocouple housing designs. Additionally, a unique stain relief allowing access to sensor leads and wire leads by a side opening, prior to adding doping compound and a conductive outer sheath, is described.

Abstract: An expandable swim flipper includes a blade having at least an expandable portion thereof. The expandable portion radially expands in response to water resistance directed to a first surface of the blade. The surface area of the flipper is correspondingly increased to propel a swimmer at a faster rate through the water. The expandable portion radially contracts in response to water resistance directed to a second surface of the blade. The surface area of the flipper is correspondingly reduced, and is thereby subject to decreased water resistance. In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the flipper blade is formed of expandable lateral members joined to a central member having a constant width. In a second, equally preferred embodiment, the flipper blade is formed of lateral members having a constant width and joined to an expandable central member. In a third, equally preferred embodiment of the invention, the flipper blade is expandable over its entire width.

Abstract: An electronic document delivery system and methods of its use are provided. A document, preferably in a portable format, is forwarded to a remote server (e.g. using HTTP to "push" the document to the server). The server sends a generic notification of the document to an intended recipient, and the recipient can download the document from the server using local protocols. In preferred embodiments, the invention is used for the controlled delivery of portable documents from a sender to a large number of recipients, using a network of servers that route the documents and notifications in a store and forward manner, while providing routing and accounting information back to the sender.